Orange Band Ingredients: Sugar

Sugar, or sucrose, is a common carbohydrate found naturally in fruits, vegetables, and grains. It is primarily extracted from sugar cane or sugar beets, then purified and crystallized to produce the white granular product we commonly use.

Manufacturers add sugar to foods and beverages primarily for its sweet taste. It also plays roles in texture, browning, and can act as a preservative in high concentrations, extending shelf life in products like jams. It's widely used in candies, baked goods, soft drinks, and many processed foods.

Sugar is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA. The 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend no amount of added sugars, and at most 10 grams of added sugars per meal. JECFA and EFSA have evaluated sugars, noting they provide energy. Excessive intake of added sugars is linked to health concerns like obesity and type 2 diabetes, but evidence on direct causation for specific diseases is complex and often depends on overall dietary patterns.